These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Ferdinand believes Rice’s move Chelsea is inevitable

Declan Rice has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester United in recent months. Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes Stamford Bridge will be the midfielder’s next destination in the summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand weighed in on the situation stating Rice won’t force a transfer but will probably leave the club in the summer.

‘I don’t think he goes this window. I think he stays there for the remainder of the season,’ he said.

‘I don’t think he’s the kind of kid who is going to push to leave right now.’

Rice has played more than 100 Premier League matches and become a regular for Gareth Southgate’s England side. The midfielder was part of the Chelsea Academy until he was let go at 14 and Ferdinand believes the Blues are his next destination.

‘I think it’s inevitable he will go but I think – if I’m being realistic – he will go in the summer and I think it would be to Chelsea if he had his wish.’

Totti’s close Chelsea move revealed

Former Roma striker Antonio Cassano has revealed Italian legend Francesco Totti was very close to joining Chelsea.

In a report in Football Italia, Cassano spoke about how Totti nearly left the club for a move to England.

‘I returned to the club after having played some great games at Euro 2004,’ the striker said on a Twitch stream.

‘Totti had made a mistake as he had spat at Christian Poulsen, and Franco Baldini had sold him to Chelsea.

‘Totti found out about it and that’s where the problems began.’

Totti ended up spending his whole career at Roma and is seen as one of the most loyal players of his generation.

Fulham boss impressed with Loftus-Cheek’s development

Fulham manager Scott Parker believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek is getting better and better at Craven Cottage.

The midfielder played 90 minutes in Fulham’s 2-0 win over QPR in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Fulham prepare to face Tottenham tonight and Loftus-Cheek is expected keep building on the performances he has shown this season.

‘Ruben’s technically gifted and I see him getting better and better with each game,’ said Parker.

‘Goals, assists, grabbing games by the scruff of the neck are all elements he can do, and you can’t say that about many players. It just shows the capabilities that he has.’

The 24-year-old is spending the season on loan at Craven Cottage to regain his fitness after he sustained an Achilles injury that saw him sidelined for most of last season.

‘What he’s got now is the only run of games he’s had over the last 18 months and we’ve certainly seen improvements,’ the Fulham boss added.

‘I still see loads and loads of levels from him and where he wants to get to.’